Rangers pitchers sympathetic to Aroldis Chapman but have no plans to try new protective pitching cap

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SURPRISE, Ariz. - Rangers pitchers expressed concern over the welfare of Cincinnati closer Aroldis Chapman, struck in the face by a line drive on Wednesday night, but remain cool to the idea of wearing protective headgear while on the mound.

Frasor cited the comfort factor. The headgear would be heavier than the three-ounce caps pitchers have worn and probably disruptive.

"When you're out there, you're not thinking about it,'' Frasor said of line drives up the middle. "If you are thinking about it, I don't know if you're going to pitch very well.''

Matt Harrison and Colby Lewis said there are willing to explore caps that have about seven ounces of protective padding. Major League Baseball approved the alteration in January, but the manufacturer has not yet visited the Rangers' spring-training base. Rangers equipment manager Richard Price said Friday that he's been informed the manufacturer will present an "improved" model to teams early in the regular season.

"With the way technology has advanced, maybe we can put something in a hat or do something better with helmets,'' Lewis said. "But it's a big difference between wearing it around and pitching with it in a game.''

Tanner Scheppers was hit in the head during his sophomore season at Fresno State. The experience did not sway Scheppers.

"I just don't see myself doing anything,'' Scheppers said. "I'll take the risk when I step onto the field and count on the man upstairs to take care of me.''